The mid lane in Dota 2 is a crucial position where some of the most intense and dynamic battles unfold. Mid players, often referred to as “mids,” serve as the primary driving force during the early minutes of the game, setting the pace and direction for their entire team. In the latest patch 7.36c, developers have implemented numerous changes to hero balance, impacting both the selection and strategies employed on the central lane. This article will explore the top mid heroes in the current meta, drawing from professional evaluations and the adjustments made with the recent updates. If you’re interested in discovering which mids are currently at the forefront and what Dota 2 match schedule looks like for upcoming tournaments, keep reading!
Mids: The Dominant Force on the Lane
The mid-laner is not merely a champion positioned in the center lane; rather, they are a character capable of swiftly seizing the initiative, applying pressure on other lanes, and assisting their team in gaining control over the map. Unlike carries, who typically come to prominence during the later stages of the game, mid-laners need to be proactive from the very beginning. They accumulate significant amounts of experience and gold, enabling them to quickly acquire essential abilities and items that can influence the course of the match.
Popular Mid-Laners and Esteemed Mid-Laners: Heroes from Previous Patches
When discussing the top mid-laners, it’s essential to highlight heroes who have made a significant impact in Dota 2’s history. Among the popular mid-laners are characters like Pudge, Invoker, Outworld Devourer, and Shadow Fiend. These heroes are known for their high potential and versatility, making them valuable in any situation. Pudge stands out as the most favored mid-laner, capable of eliminating foes with his iconic Hook ability. Invoker is a complex yet incredibly powerful mid-laner, equipped with a diverse array of spells that allow him to control the battlefield and deal damage at any stage of the game.
Among the notable mid-laners whose roles can be debated are Razor, Viper, and Zeus. These heroes are frequently utilized as alternative mid-laners but can also take positions on other lanes depending on the team’s strategy.
Top Mid Heroes of Patch 7.36c: The Current Meta
With the release of updates 7.36a, 7.36b, and 7.36c, the mid meta in Dota 2 has undergone significant changes. Streamers and professional players like Nix and Larl have highlighted new heroes capable of dominating the mid lane.
1. Storm Spirit
Storm Spirit stands out as one of the most favored and powerful mid heroes in the current patch. Thanks to the new Static Slide feature, a copy from Static Remnant moves towards a designated point, allowing for safe last-hitting of creeps and positional control. His ability to rapidly regenerate mana makes him an incredibly resilient and mobile hero, enabling effective map movement and pressure on opponents.
2. Leshrac
Leshrac has secured a solid position in the S-tier due to his Chronoptic Nourishment ability, which enhances the range of his spells. He excels at farming quickly and taking down towers while remaining a significant threat in team fights. Each point of intelligence he gains increases the radius of his abilities, making him even more formidable in large-scale battles.
3. Templar Assassin
Templar Assassin continues to be a reliable choice for mid-lane thanks to her strong farming capabilities and damage output in the late game. She can swiftly acquire essential items and dominate her lane with her high mobility and ability to evade attacks using Refraction.
4. Shadow Fiend
With a recent buff, Shadow Fiend has made a strong comeback in the meta as one of the top mid-laners. His Necromastery is now an innate ability, and adjustments to Shadowraze have increased his threat level on the lane. The combination of high damage output and crowd control makes him an ideal pick for an aggressive playstyle.
5. Ember Spirit
Ember Spirit received substantial enhancements in patch 7.36c, positioning him as an excellent choice for mid. With new features like Double Impact and his innate Flame Guard ability, he can efficiently farm, secure runes, and engage in early ganks. His capacity to deal extra damage to enemies renders him a formidable rival in the central lane.
Mid-Laner Rankings: Tier Lists by Nix and Larl
According to Nix, Shadow Fiend, Storm Spirit, and Leshrac are ranked in the S-tier among the top mid-laners in patch 7.36b, highlighting their relevance on the central lane. In the A-tier, we find Outworld Devourer, Void Spirit, and Tiny, who also deliver strong performances but require more precise execution.
Larl, a player from Team Spirit, has also pointed out powerful mid-laners like Pudge and Sniper, which are regaining popularity due to their unique traits and ability to control the game in the mid lane. Considering all the changes, these heroes continue to dominate matchmaking, especially at higher levels of play.